Reviews & advice
★★★★★
Airline reviews
This airline’s ‘next level’ premium economy is more like business-lite
While all eyes are on Cathay Pacific’s business-class Aria Suites, my money is on premium economy for the design details and value.
- by Flip Byrnes
Opinion
Tripologist
eSIMs are user-friendly and cost-effective but continue to baffle travellers
- by Michael Gebicki
★★★★
Hotel reviews
A hotel worth a splurge in Madrid’s own Rodeo Drive
An exquisite stay, Hotel Unico is close to all the things that make the Spanish capital’s most moneyed ’hood tick.
- by Anthony Dennis
Opinion
Tripologist
Is there a quicker way to visit far-flung Greek Islands?
Losing a day travelling to islands doesn’t make for a relaxing holiday, which is the antithesis (a Greek word!) of what a Hellenic island jaunt should be.
- by Michael Gebicki
Never eat Macca’s: The 13 most annoying middle-class takes on travel
From eating local to shunning chain hotels, many supposed travel truisms are deeply misguided.
- by Anthony Peregrine
‘Worst airport’: Strict rule has some passengers venting
A Google search of Darwin Airport made me dread my visit. And while I was pleasantly surprised, there is one thing I would change.
- by Kristie Kellahan
Opinion
Travel tips
I’m replacing my long-term travel partner; it’s expensive and it hurts
Some collect boarding passes, some scrapbook ticket stubs, some print travel photos. What I have is my passport. But now, I have to let go.
- by Ben Groundwater
★★★★
Hotel reviews
The slick new retreat in one of this city’s best locations
A new build, Adelaide’s Vibe Hotel has location, location, location – with the option to stay put and enjoy the suspended lap pool and impressive restaurant.
- by Riley Wilson
Opinion
Air travel
I tried the game-changing shortcut for Aussies entering the US
Want to skip the lengthy lines? There’s a much easier – but much-less publicised – option available to Australians visiting on an ESTA.
- by Rob McFarland
★★★★½
Hotel reviews
This Singaporean five-star makes for a showstopping stopover
You’ll need longer than a fleeting stopover to get the most from this salubrious five-star Singaporean hotel, which has it all under one chic action-packed roof.
- by Anthony Dennis
‘Is the engine still there?’ This airline has a one-star safety rating
This feels like the longest flight in the world, even though it’s less than two hours. I’m a nervous wreck throughout.
- by Jenny Hewett
Opinion
Tripologist
Bargain or rip off? What you should, and shouldn’t, buy at duty free
Most airport duty-free “bargains” are a mirage. It pays to know what you’re doing before you get sucked in by the glitzy displays.
- by Michael Gebicki